Monthly Archives: June 2017

Tyneside artist, Lee McDade, is intent on continuous delivery as he follows up his own, recent, album launch at The Cluny, with support of Northern Country Queen, Chloe Chadwick, at hers at Think Tank.

McDade, who like Chloe has taken several years to release their debut, grew up on a diet of good ol’ rock n’ roll.

Unlike the rock stars though McDade prefers the shorter tracks in life, although his day job may suggest otherwise, and you’d also be forgiven for thinking that his ‘Greatest Hits’ was arrogantly titled, however it’s definitely more a tongue-in-cheek scenario.

“I recently released my own debut album, my ‘Greatest Hits,’ at The Cluny,” began Lee.

“It was cheekily called that and was just one of those moments but that’s what they are, they’re my greatest hits so far.”

McDade’s background in music though may cause surprise, in a roundabout way. That rock n roll diet could bode well for the future in the industry and, having looked more punk rock than country, the image may well have gone with the sound.

“I grew up listening to the likes of Elvis Presley, Queen and Bruce Springsteen, that’s what my early years were like.

“However, I prefer to keep my music short and sweet rather than those lengthier versions.

“It was my auntie that got me into country though when she gave me some Garth Brooks, but for me the influence has to be Steve Earle and it’s because of that I’d say my style is more Americana than country and I’ve probably been doing it this way for maybe five or six years now.”

With gigs aplenty McDade took a chance a couple of years ago, swapping, albeit briefly, Northern England for West Coast USA and New Jersey, performing a few gigs which can only have benefited any artist.

That, combined with an increasing number of dates on home soil, have instilled increasing confidence in the artist and helps him look forward to a more positive future.

“We’re always looking at what the next step will be and pushing things on,” he continued.

“I’ve an album to promote so we’ll certainly be doing something there.

“The support I’ve had from Stephen Cunningham and Boomchang Records has been great and I can’t thank people like him enough for that support and it’s just a case of taking chances when they present themselves.

“I’m happy to be a part of anything and that’s good whilst being realistic with what can be achieved.”

Showing respect for Chadwick’s talent he concluded saying: “She (Chloe) is an immensely talented woman and an amazing talent.

“I’ve found it difficult meeting like-minded people who dig what I dig but I’d rather be a pioneer in the industry than anything else.

“There’s so much to be said in music that I, we, put out there and it helps with any kind of mood. To me it’s a gift that’s meant to be given.”

Lee McDade, and Freeman, support Chloe Chadwick’s debut album launch at Think Tank, Newcastle on June 30. Tickets are available from the artists priced at £7 or from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/400890.

Country starlet, Chloe Chadwick, returns to Nantwich this weekend to perform at the Fat Pigeon Americana Night at The Studio alongside Angels with Dirty Faces and Christina Martin.

Miss Chadwick, 32, releases her debut album, Dustbowl Jukebox, at the end of the month in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne where she has resided for nearly a decade, carving out a successful career in the music industry.

The album, which is a culmination of a number of years’ worth of hard work, sweat, and often tears either side of her 2015 self-titled EP was announced early last month with the release of the single Love Will Find A Way.

She said: “I can’t wait to come to Nantwich for what will be a special night of good music with fabulous people.

“This visit is made even more special as it comes a week before my debut album launch back in Newcastle so I’ll showcase a couple of tracks from my album as well.

“I spent a few years living here with my mother in my early twenties so you could say this is where my music career took off really so it’ll be nice to be back home.

“As for the acts, I’ve worked with Angels with Dirty Faces so it’ll be great seeing them, as for Christina, she’s over from Canada so I’m really looking forward to seeing what she can do and I guess she will be with us as well.”

In respect of Dustbowl Jukebox, the ten-track album will be available from all music outlets and via www.chloechadwick.com at the end of the month. It features a mixture of music to cater for all needs with standouts being Love Will Find A Way, Big River and Plain Old Jane.

Nominated for the second year running for two awards through UK Country Radio, Chloe added: “This has been a labour of love more than twenty years in the making.

“The feeling is that I’ve delivered on my pledge to write the most authentic and personal account of an everyman’s journey through the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

“There’s more to this eclectic assortment than just songs from the sunbelt.”

Christina Martin is a multi-award winning, alt country/classic rock musician from Nova Scotia; with five albums to her name, her fifth and most powerful being It’ll Be Alright, Miss Martin is touring the UK promoting her latest single, Lungs Are Burning, beginning here in Cheshire.

Teesside trio, and 2016 award nominees, Freeman, are hoping that their impending EP launch, ‘Ride,’ is the launchpad for future success.

Presently signed with Mill Lane Artist Management the fledgling country rock trio were last December nominated for the Best Indie/Alternative Act at the Ubeat Music Awards, and now they are aiming to follow that up with an EP ride to the next level.

Consisting of Julie Diddams (vocals), Andrew Marron (lead guitar) and Steven Ovington (rhythm guitar) this trio are aiming to go somewhere, fast, and will be using the title, and reasoning of, their debut EP, to push them forward.

“We chose ‘Ride’ as the three of just go with the flow and we feel that this represents the start of a musical journey for us,” began Julie.

“Although the lads have been around the music for some time, I’m relatively new to it and we’ve only really been gigging as a trio for just over a year.

“It’s also about the same length of time we’ve been with Marcus (Summerfield) and Mill Lane and it’s a good deal we have as we’re all working from the same page which is fantastic for us.”

Having played Stockton Calling along with taking in dates at The Arc, Batley, Barnsley and Leeds in recent times, the band’s name is a memorable one that was quite easily arrived at, after all it is lead singer, Julie’s, maiden name – thanks to Angie Taylor.

“It’s because of people like Angie that we got going,” Julie continued.

“She helped to advise and guide us and also is ‘to blame’ for the name we have, it’s simple really as it’s my maiden name but we couldn’t think of one when we first began – we, as a trio, really enjoy working together though so long may that continue.”

Playing at home, for any musician, is a requirement as it helps to build a strong fan base in which to ride forward with, and, for Freeman, it’s pretty much the same, Stockton Calling and The Arc being played with immense pleasure and ease.

“Being at Stockton Calling was certainly a fantastic opportunity for us,” added Julie.

“We feel that it’s nice to do regular, local gigs as it’s important to create a fan base from home.

“Doing that, and playing at The Arc, only good things can come from it and, although we do like to go to different places, it’s to come back home, not just to Teesside, but to the northeast.

“That’s why, in supporting Chloe Chadwick on the 30 June, it’s another opportunity and we’re really looking forward to it – it’ll be a really great night I’m sure.”

Freeman, and Lee McDade, support Chloe Chadwick’s debut album launch at Think Tank, Newcastle on June 30. Tickets are available from the artists priced at £7 or from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/400890.

Local session drummer, Kyle Hughes, 19, is Glastonbury-bound this summer when he joins up with Aurora Dawn & The Screamin’ Skulls.

The young drummer, who late last year performed on a mini-tour with former Guns n’ Roses guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal and Tygers of Pan Tang hot shot, Micky McCrystal, is readying himself for what could be a massive few months ahead.

With two dates on The Spike Stage (22 and 24 June) Kyle, who has been with the Skulls for nearly two years, will warm-up for the big one with a gig at London’s Off The Cuff (OTC) Bar on Herne Hill just for good measure (support from Carpet Face and Rachel Darcy).

In an exclusive, and rare interview, Kyle, who has also recently been endorsed by Natal, said: “This really is all pretty amazing right now and I’m honoured to be playing at Glastonbury, more so at my age.

“It’s rather surreal so I’m just looking forward to it more than anything as I’m going to be playing at what is such a prestigious event.; I think I’ll just go and do what I do best and that’s make some noise.”

Kyle first across Ms. Dawn back in early-2015 when his previous band, Twister, were supporting Bumblefoot at Newcastle’s O2 Academy, Aurora being there as a special guest performer of the Art of Anarchy star. The drummer however, well it was the beginning of a rollercoaster ride that, right now, has no end in sight.

“When I first met Aurora I was sat in the hotel lobby in Newcastle waiting for Ron,” explained Kyle.

“Aurora approached me and asked if I’d be interested in working together on a few projects and the next thing you know I’m rehearsing with the Skulls. You could well say that that gig with Ron was my audition.

“Now it’s Glastonbury here we come, first stop the OTC, and I’m buzzing as it’s my first experience of it, in any capacity.

“As for Aurora, she’s amazing, a real talent in her own right and it’s great seeing the support she gets; for me she’s pretty much the real deal and that’s why people turn up and pay to see her.”

Kyle Hughes will be performing with Aurora Dawn & The Screamin’ Skulls at the OTC Bar in London on June 20, then they will rock up to Glastonbury for two dates, June 22 and 24, on The Spike Stage.